Bangalore:
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has brought his battle with Governor HR Bhardwaj to Delhi. But when the two met on the occasion of Republic Day today, they showed no signs of any tussle. As they came together for flag hoisting, they even greeted each other cordially.
BJP's senior-most leaders met President Pratibha Patil in the Capital recently asking for the Governor to be sacked. A 15-page document submitted by leaders like LK Advani alleged that Bhardwaj has repeatedly proved that he does not act impartially but as "a Congress agent." Advani added that the Governor's behaviour has "insulted the Constitution."
Last week, Mr Bhardwaj gave his permission for the prosecution of the BJP Chief Minister in Karnataka, BS Yeddyurappa. Two lawyers said they wanted Mr Yeddyurappa to be tried for allegations of corruption. Mr Yeddyurappa's Cabinet sent a strongly-worded note to the Governor, asking him not to sanction the Chief Minister's prosecution. The Governor did not accept their request.
So far, 15 different cases have been filed against Mr Yeddyurappa, some of them include his sons and son-in-law. The Chief Minister is alleged to have denotified land to benefit companies owned by his family. The Opposition in the state has been circulating documents that suggest that on the Chief Minister's orders, land that was acquired from farmers for public projects was sold at below-market prices to his family.